ABC News Nightline Takes an Inside Look at the Culture of "Sneakerheads"

Mainstream attempts at documenting the world of limited-edition sneakers are nothing new, but ABC News’ Nightline provided one of the better pieces in recent memory, tapping ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell – whose previous work includes in-depth looks at the likes of Nike, Gatorade, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue – for its “Sneakerheads” piece. While the piece certainly covers the negative aspects – previously the focal point of many media looks at the industry – of sneaker collecting, Rovell does well to highlight a variety of other aspects to the $21 billion USD/year industry – including sneaker selling/trading conventions and the shifts by brands like Nike toward online release strategies. The piece also includes insights from well-known aficionado DJ Clark Kent as he reflects on the changes in the world of sneakers over the past few decades and shares his own thoughts on today’s “sneakerhead.”